Boom in prostate checks thanks to the film "Buen Camino": the taboo is broken

The success of 'Buen Camino' is not just measured at the box office. A few weeks after the release of the new film starring Checco Zalone, doctors and specialists are reporting an unexpected effect: an increase in preventive urological examinations, particularly those related to the prostate.

A significant increase that testifies to the role and influence of popular culture in our societies; how it can concretely influence behavior, even in areas traditionally shrouded in reticence and taboo.

The 'Zalone effect' beyond cinema

According to Adnkronos by Vincenzo Mirone, head of the resources and communications office at the Italian Urological Society, an increase in requests for check-ups has been observed in several centers across the country. Although there is no consolidated data, the observations made by health professionals point to a clear trend: following the release of the film in cinemas, more and more men decided to undergo a preventive check-up. A phenomenon that could soon be analyzed through a dedicated study.

Irony and prevention: an effective combination

In Buen Camino, Zalone tackles the subject of prostate disease with its usual ironic touch, far from alarmist or didactic tones. Reinforcing the message a little further, the song 'Prostate Enflamada' (or 'inflammation of the prostate') also went viral online. It's precisely this lightness, explain the specialists, that is a strength: talking about men's health in an accessible way reduces defenses and eases a first step towards medical examinations.

A comparison with female prevention

The figure takes on even more weight when read in conjunction with cancer prevention in women, which has long been more deeply rooted in the collective culture. Prostate and breast cancer remain the most common cancers in Italy in terms of incidence and mortality in their respective genders. Yet, while periodic check-ups are now standardized for women, many men continue to postpone or avoid urological examinations, often out of embarrassment or risk 'reduction'.

Figures explain the urgency

Nearly 40,000 new prostate cancer diagnoses and over 7,000 deaths occur every year in Italy. These figures clearly show how crucial early diagnosis is. Within this context, even a comedy film can be transformed into an instrument for raising awareness, capable of reaching a broad, cross-sectional audience.

Pop culture as a health ally

This is clearly not a structured health campaign, but the results are convincing: entertainment can become an ally of public health. Overcoming a taboo with irony doesn't trivialize the problem, but makes it approachable. And if a laugh can push more men towards prevention, the Zalone effect goes far beyond comedy.

Source : Adnkronos

(MP/©GreenMe.it/Translation and adaptation: The Global Entertainment/Pic: picture alliance/ipa-agency | Maurizio D'Avanzo)